Buphthalmum: Planting and Cultivation

Description and botany

The Buphthalmum or Willow-leaved Oxeye, sometimes nicknamed “oxeye”, is a perennial plant from the Asteraceae family like daisies and asters. Only the species Buphtalmum salicifolia is cultivated for ornamental purposes in our gardens, but it has given rise to a few varieties such as Buphthalmum salicifolium ‘Dora’.

Buphthalmum, botanical plate from 1878

It can be found growing wild at the edge of woods or in sunny, dry and rocky meadows, in the Alps, the Jura and Alsace, sometimes up to 1800 m altitude and in some regions of Central Europe. This is a very vigorous perennial, capable of withstanding drought as well as frost, down to -29°C.

From a woody stump, the plant develops a bushy clump with a dense, upright habit in spring. It reaches 25 to 60 cm in height.

The numerous single or branched stems, sturdy and rough, bear deciduous foliage of a bright matte green. The leaves that punctuate them are lanceolate, narrow like those of a willow and slightly dentate, hence its vernacular name “salicifolia”, meaning willow in Latin. Arranged alternately along the stems, they measure about ten centimetres in length.

On this light vegetation, all summer long, from June-July to September, numerous small golden-yellow daisy-like flowers bloom tirelessly. The slender flowering stems then bear an abundance of solitary flower heads about 5 cm in diameter. They are formed of ligulate, pointed and fringed ray florets, radiating around a sunny yellow central disc. The collar spreads almost horizontally.

This generous flowering is melliferous and attracts pollinating insects, such as butterflies and bees. It is one of those plants that contribute to natural biodiversity. Once flowering is over, the discs turn brown to make way for seeds.

Buphthalmum salicifolium clump of leaves and close-up of flowering; on the right Buphtalmum speciosum (© Leonora Enking)

Main species

[product sku=”8101″ blog_description=”This is the type species! It is prized for its ability to thrive in dry conditions and its generous flowering.” template=”listing1″ /]

Planting Buphthalmum

Where to Plant It?

The Buphthalmum salicifolium is exceptionally easy to grow. It tolerates extreme temperature fluctuations: both intense heat and harsh frosts. Hardy down to at least -25°C, it thrives in all regions. Highly adaptable to soil types, it will flourish in well-drained garden soil that remains relatively moist during summer, though it will tolerate ordinary, occasionally dry and stony soil, even if alkaline. For abundant flowering, some soil moisture is preferable. While it can withstand occasional drought and intense heat, it dislikes waterlogged soil in winter.

Choose a spot in full sun, or light shade in the sunniest regions of the country.

Its cheerful, informal appearance and medium size make it perfect for borders and mixed borders, or to brighten the base of a sunny wall, as well as planters and pots, as it also adapts well to container growing.

When to Plant Buphthalmum salicifolium?

The best time to plant is in spring (February to April) or autumn (September to November), avoiding drought periods and ensuring all risk of frost has passed.

Buphthalmum salicifolium

How to Plant It?

In the ground

Rich, organic soil will encourage better flowering. In very poor soil, we recommend adding well-rotted compost.

• Soak the bucket in a pail of water to moisten the root ball
• Dig a hole 2–3 times the size of the bucket
• If needed, improve drainage by adding a layer of gravel, clay pebbles, or pumice at the base
• Mix one or two handfuls of compost with garden soil
• Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the collar remains above soil level
• Firm the soil very lightly
• Water regularly after planting, especially in dry weather

In pots

Choose a pot 30–50 cm wide with drainage holes.

• Add a generous layer of drainage (gravel or clay pebbles) at the bottom
• Fill with a mix of garden soil (1/2), flowering plant compost (1/2), and a handful of compost
• Plant without burying the collar and backfill
• Water frequently, never letting the substrate dry out

Cultivation and care

Once well established, Buphthalmum requires little care. It prefers soil that remains moist during summer, especially in the first few years, but will tolerate occasional drought better as it matures. The base should stay cool, particularly during periods of growth and flowering. In hot weather, water regularly but avoid waterlogging. You can mulch in May to ensure sufficient moisture at the base during summer.

Every spring, add two or three handfuls of well-rotted compost around the base by lightly raking it in.

In pots, monitor watering more closely during the growing season, as the soil dries out faster. Allow the compost to dry out between waterings. You may also apply a flowering plant fertiliser in spring and summer. Repot your plant annually in fresh compost.

In summer, remove faded flowers as they appear to prolong flowering.

After flowering, cut back stems to 15 cm above the ground using shears.

Every two years, in spring or autumn, divide the clumps to rejuvenate them.

Diseases and potential pests

Robust, it is only endangered by slugs and snails which may be fond of its young shoots in spring. Discover our tips for naturally combating gastropods.

Propagation

The simplest method to propagate Buphthalmum is by dividing the clump, preferably in early spring.

1. With a sharp spade, lift the clump
2. Cut out several sections, keeping as many roots as possible
3. Replant immediately in the desired location in well-prepared soil
4. Water and mulch

Pairing in the garden

The radiantly beautiful flowers of Buphthalmum bring vibrancy and simplicity to the garden. With their rustic charm, they integrate perfectly into naturalistic and wild gardens, alongside other easy-going perennials.

If possible, plant them in drifts. Within a summer flower bed, they’ll form colourful swathes among summer-flowering perennials in warm hues. They can mingle with other daisy-like flowers, such as Echinacea, Rudbeckia, yellow daylilies, Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Mars’, Leucanthemum ‘Banana Cream’, or Gaillardia. Dahlias (such as Dahlia ‘Kelvin Floodlight’) will also make excellent companions. A few clumps of ornamental grasses like Miscanthus will add softness to this lush scene.

Rudbeckias, yellow Dahlias, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Variegatus’, and yellow daylilies complement the sunny flowering of Buphthalmum

Flowers in cool tones, such as Siberian Sage, Verbena bonariensis, Asters, and Veronicastrums, will create an effective yellow/blue contrast.

In borders, it will shine alongside small Helenium, dwarf dahlias (Happy Single), Sages, and dark-leaved Heucheras (Heuchera ‘Black Pearl’), which will enhance its warm tones by creating a colourful setting at its base.

Buphthalmum paired with Verbena bonariensis, Veronicastrums, and Asters for a yellow and blue display